A reflection as I step down as Chair of the NSSN

As I step down as Chair of the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) at the end of June, I find myself reflecting on what has been an extraordinarily rewarding journey—one that has reinforced for me the power of connections, collaboration, and purposeful innovation.

Jo White is stepping down after four years as NSSN Board Chair

I first joined the NSSN Board in 2018, while working as Director Science Strategy at the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and leading environmental monitoring.

Even then, it was clear that advanced sensing technologies had the potential to fundamentally transform how we understand and manage our environment.

NSSN was already positioning itself at that intersection of science, technology and impact, building on the original vision that led to the Network’s establishment in 2016 by then NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Professor Mary O’Kane, with Professor Benjamin Eggleton and Professor Justin Gooding and the support of the NSW Government. 

In 2022, I had the honour of becoming Chair while serving as Director of Science, Education and Conservation at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, just prior to my appointment as Executive Director of Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre.

Taking on the Chair role at that moment was both a privilege and an opportunity to deepen my engagement with a rapidly evolving technology that is increasingly central to Australia’s future prosperity. 

Ten years of impact

Over the past ten years, NSSN has demonstrated what can be achieved when industry, government and researchers come together with a shared purpose.

From its origins as a collaboration between leading researchers and policymakers, the Network has grown substantially and now connects seven leading member universities across NSW and the ACT, supporting research translation and commercialisation to tackle real‑world challenges.

Its work spans human health, smart places, natural hazards, net zero, and environment and agriculture —areas fundamental to Australia’s resilience, productivity, and societal wellbeing. 

NSSN’s enduring strength lies in this “triple helix” model. Time and again, I have seen how combining deep research capability with industry insight and government priorities accelerates innovation and amplifies impact.

That collaborative approach is exactly what Australia needs as we seek to build sovereign capability, support high‑value industries and translate research excellence into practical outcomes.

Looking forward: contributing to a Future Made in Australia

As Australia pursues a Future Made in Australia and an Ambitious Australia, smart sensing will be a critical enabler interfacing with the physical and digital world.

From advanced manufacturing and clean energy systems, to environmental monitoring, biosecurity and resilient cities, sensing technologies underpin informed decision‑making and productivity growth.

NSSN is an exemplar and is well placed to continue contributing to these national ambitions—by strengthening research translation, supporting emerging industries, and ensuring Australia remains globally competitive in high‑impact technologies.

There is also a natural alignment with Questacon’s vision that Australians are inspired by science and technology and the opportunities it creates for the future.  

Both organisations share a commitment to connecting people with ideas that shape the future—whether through innovation ecosystems or public engagement—and to building the skills, capability and confidence Australia needs to thrive.

Thanks and confidence in the future

I have been privileged to work alongside an exceptional Board and Directors, including Professor Ben Eggleton and Professor Julian Epps, whose leadership from the University of Sydney and UNSW has been instrumental to the Network’s success, as well as our COO Nicholas Haskins, whose dedication and vision have guided NSSN’s continued growth, impact, and relevance.

NSSN’s greatest asset is its people and through the Network you can connect to more than 500 world class researchers.

I would also like to acknowledge Dr Susan Pond, my first Chair, whose leadership laid strong foundations for the Network and the Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer for his vision and unwavering commitment over the long term to the NSSN.

Serving as Chair of NSSN has been a genuine privilege.

I step down with great confidence in the Network’s future and in the people who continue to drive its mission forward.

I look forward to seeing NSSN continue to grow in impact and scale —playing a vital role in shaping the future of smart sensing in New South Wales, Australia, and globally.